FM BF-101: Economic Development Operations for Local Government Leaders
Released: June 14, 2025 - U.S. Army's 250th Birthday
The field manual that treats economic development like the tactical mission it is.
Publication Overview
Economic development isn't about ribbon cuttings or branding fluff. It's boots-on-the-ground, intel-driven, mission-critical work that requires the same tactical mindset applied to military operations.
FM BF-101 provides the doctrinal framework for local government leaders, economic development professionals, and civic operators conducting economic warfare in their areas of operation. This comprehensive field manual transforms proven economic development strategies into military-grade doctrine for maximum operational effectiveness.
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What's Inside
10 Comprehensive Chapters:
- Introduction to Economic Development Operations
- Operational Environment and Threat Assessment
- Intelligence and Reconnaissance (ECONINT)
- Tactical Mission Planning
- Deployment of Economic Payloads
- Base Defense and Retention Operations
- Real Estate and Development Operations
- Command, Control, and Coordination
- Specialized Operations
- Sustainment and Metrics
Plus Tactical Appendices:
- Mission Planning Checklists
- Forms and Templates
- Specialized Operations Guides
Core Doctrine: The BusinessFlare® Approach
Based on one of the most successful economic development operations of the last 30 years - the transformation of Miami Beach's South Beach from urban slum to international destination - this field manual establishes five critical tactical questions every economic development operation must address:
- PRESERVE - What must be defended?
- ENHANCE - What requires improvement?
- EXPOSE - What requires visibility?
- INVEST - Where should resources be concentrated?
- CAPITALIZE - What advantages can be leveraged?
Who Should Use This Manual
Primary Audience:
- City managers and administrators
- Economic development professionals
- Mayor and council members
- Planning and development staff
Secondary Audience:
- Community development corporations
- Chamber of commerce leadership
- Business improvement district managers
- Regional development authorities
Specialized Users:
- Veteran economic development professionals
- Military transition specialists
- Public-private partnership developers
- Urban planning consultants
Key Features
Military-Grade Framework: Applies proven military doctrine to civilian economic development challenges.
Actionable Intelligence: Provides specific tools for gathering and analyzing economic intelligence (ECONINT).
Tactical Implementation: Step-by-step processes for planning and executing economic development operations.
Real-World Tested: Based on 20+ years of successful economic development operations in diverse communities.
Veteran Perspective: Written by a veteran economic development professional who understands both military precision and civilian market realities.
Download Information
Format: PDF Size: 2.3 MB Language: English Distribution: Approved for unlimited distribution
About the Author
Kevin Crowder, 98G Language Analyst, Miami Beach Economic Development Director (Retired)
Kevin Crowder brings over two decades of economic development experience to civilian economic operations. As a U.S. Army veteran and founder of veteran-owned businesses BusinessFlare and Street Economics, Crowder has applied military precision to economic development challenges across the United States and internationally.
His work has guided economic development strategies for communities ranging from small towns to major metropolitan areas, always with a focus on market-driven, tactically sound approaches that deliver measurable results.
Related Resources
BusinessFlare® Economic Development Services Comprehensive economic development planning and implementation services using proven tactical frameworks.
Street Economics Consulting Specialized consulting for communities seeking military-grade precision in their economic development operations.
ECOSINT Intelligence Platform Real-time economic intelligence tools built for field operators and economic development professionals.
Citation Information
Crowder, Kevin. FM BF-101: Economic Development Operations for Local Government Leaders. BusinessFlare Publications, 2025.
Contact
For questions about this publication or to discuss economic development operations in your community:
BusinessFlare
Economic Development Operations
kevin@businessflare.net
Street Economics
Tactical Economic Consulting
info@streeteconomics.com
Released on the U.S. Army's 250th Birthday in honor of all who have served and continue to serve our communities in uniform and as civilians.
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